The inaugural Autism Summit will be held Thursday by the School of Education and Human Services at Oakland University.

According to the release, participants in the event will be working toward these goals:

— identify issues facing those with autism

— look at current efforts to help those with an autistic disorder and ways parties can collaborate

— develop action plans for quick implementation

— identify potential fundraising sources

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, whose daughter has autism, will speak at the event along with University President Gary Russi and SEHS Dean Louis Gallien.

The OU Center for Autism Research, Education and Support (OUCARES) serves the area’s autistic community.

Autism refers to a spectrum of disorders appearing in the child’s first three years which affects the brain’s development of social and communication skills, according to the National Library of Medicine.